Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag (CC BY-SA 4.0)
EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
- 85mm
- f/1.4
- Prime
- Stabilized
- 950 g
- Min focus 0.85 m
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Quick answer
The L-series 85mm f/1.4 with in-lens image stabilization and weather sealing, aimed at portrait and event work on full-frame EF bodies.
Pros
- Image stabilization on a fast prime
- f/1.4 aperture
- Weather-sealed L build
- Smooth background rendering
Cons
- Heavier than the f/1.8 version
- Not as fast as the f/1.2L
- Stabilizer does not freeze subject motion
Verdict
A versatile 85 for EF shooters thanks to IS, though it is best for still or slow-moving subjects.
About this lens
A superb portrait prime with an f/1.4 aperture and four-stop image stabilization, delivering stunning background separation.
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 85mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/1.4
- Minimum aperture
- f/16
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2017
- Optical construction
- 14 elements in 10 groups
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.85 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.12x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 950 g
- Length
- 105.4 mm
- Diameter
- 88.6 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM?
- Portraits
- Wedding photography
- Low-light events
Its very wide maximum aperture suits low light and shallow depth of field with strong background blur.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 85mm | 23.9° | 28.6° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 136mm | 15.1° | 18.1° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS have image stabilization?
Yes. It has a built-in IS unit, which is unusual for an 85mm prime and helps with handheld low-light shooting.
Is the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM full-frame?
Yes. It is designed for full-frame EF bodies and also works on APS-C, where it frames like a 136mm lens.
EF 85mm f/1.4L IS vs f/1.2L II: which should I choose?
Pick the f/1.4L IS for stabilization and sharper wide-open results. The f/1.2L II is for those who want maximum blur and light and accept slower focus.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
